Alsace villages to visit: Husseren-les-Châteaux, Haut-Rhin

Facts

8 km south-west of Colmar. 36 ha Eichberg, Pfersigberg - - Alsace-route-des-vins

At 380 meters elevation, overlooking the surrounding plain, Husseren-les-Châteaux is litterally on top of all other viticultural villages in Alsace. The painstaking bike ride from Eguisheim (you wouldn't not take the Tivoli train up hear, would you?) can create tension in any marriage. Once you have made the climb, though, you are rewarded with a breathtaking view. From here, you have a magnificent view over the Rhine Valley, the Alps, and the Black Forest.

Above Husseren-les-Châteaux, you can see the ruins of the fortifications, erected from the 11th to the 13th century, that have given the name to the village. During these medieval times, Husseren belonged to the Marquis of Eguisheim. From north to south, the three castles are named Dagsbourg, Wahlenbourg and Weckmund.

The vineyards are all rich in limestone, and are perfectly exposed towards south-east and south. The tradition in Husseren-les-Châteaux, as in Eguisheim, calls for dry wines with elegance and class. With its' dry and cool microclimat, Husseren-les-Châteaux is a must for all vistors to Alsace, welcoming you with many wonderful surprises!

Producers to visit

For long, Kuentz-Bas was one of the most alluring and highly regarded properties of Alsace. Following turbulence among the two previous owners/cousins, Kuentz-Bas was in a very bad state by the year 2000. After a change in ownership in 2003, it is now controlled by J. B. Adam in Ammerschwihr, Kuentz-Bas is regaining its' reputation, quality and identity. A recently appointed head of operations, the sommelier Samuel Tottoli, is converting the 9 ha to biodynamics and has managed to bring Kuentz-Bas back to the top. Welcome back! Bruno Scheuller may be one of the most rebellian producer in Alsace, but just as Bruno himself, the wines are wonderfully inviting, full of class and integrity. The style is aromatic and dry, and totally unpredictable. Offers a wonderful Gewurztraminer from one of the most underrated Lieu-Dit of Alsace - Bildstoecklé. A small, interesting domaine with only 5 ha of vineyards. Winemaker Laurent Wehrlé, born in 1974 and educated in Germany and South Africa, now manages the production. Offers Riesling Grand Cru Pfersigberg and a rare Pinot Gris Grand Cru Eichberg. Firm with a long history, run by Christophe Scherer since 1990. espite its' smal size (7 ha) they offer many terroir wines; Riesling and Gewurztraminer from Grand Cru Eichberg and Grand Cru Pfersigberg, as well as Pinot Gris Grand Cru Goldert. Three Lieux-Dits, Kleinbreit, Holzweg and Kammerhof are also worth seeking out.